Balance is restored

FOOTBALL has a bizarre way of leveling itself out over the course of a game, a week, season or in this case, a year. Highlighted perfectly at the Gabba on Saturday night when the resilient Brisbane Lions notched their first win of the year over North Melbourne.

North supporters will still be seething following a throw from Lions veteran Simon Black that was not recognised by the umpires late in the fourth quarter. The incident led to a Todd Banfield goal that put the Lions in front by eight points - a margin that would prove difficult to overcome considering the torrential rain and horrid conditions.

The decision, or lack of, shut the door on any chance North Melbourne had of winning. Although it was clearly a throw from the Brownlow medalist, it seemed only just that the penalty was not paid, and the wrongs of last season were seen to be corrected. Past wrongs are righted and the balance of the football world is restored yet again.

In the corresponding fixture last year, when the same teams met at Etihad Stadium in round 11, Black was again in the middle of another controversial decision. Following a Levi Greenwood goal that put the Roos up by a point, Black gathered the ball from the centre clearance before scooping and handballing the football forward in one diving motion. The umpire, who was blindsided by the congestion of players surrounding Black, incorrectly called a throw, effectively shutting the door on any chance the Lions had of winning the game.

It's remarkable that an incorrect decision involving the same teams and the same player can be corrected a year later. Karma, anyone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEwLq_MJFkY - Round 11, 2010 - North Melbourne V Brisbane Lions

A Challenger Rises

The challenge has been issued; Collingwood has officially found a worthy adversary in season 2011. On Friday night the Cats beat the Magpies by just three points, handing the pies their first loss since round 22 last year, when the Hawks upset them at the MCG.  

This loss could be a blessing in disguise for the Pies as they appeared slow and sluggish early in the game. Now they know they can no longer waltz through the season in cruise control, dismantling teams at will. They have received a wakeup call and in the process found a worthy adversary in Chris Scott’s Cats.

The Pies were beaten in the clearances, and had no answer to the Cats stunning centre breaks. The Cats, however, struggled to put their dominance into scoreboard pressure, registering eight behinds before scoring a goal, ultimately leaving the door ajar for a Collingwood revival.

To the Pies’ credit they fought back and claimed a three-goal lead before the Cats would eventually grind out a hard fought win.

The Pies were missing inspirational skipper Nick Maxwell and the run-and-carry of defender Ben Johnson, but arguably the most important piece missing from the puzzle was ruckman Darren Jolly.

As mentioned previously, the Pies were smashed in the clearances. This was largely due to the sublime form of Brad Ottens. Ottens worked over Cameron Wood and constantly gave his midfielders first use of the football. Considering Ottens is feeding to quality players such as Joel Selwood, Joel Corey, Steve Johnson and Jimmy Bartel, this is a massive advantage.

Given the presence of Jolly this advantage would not be so distinct if any at all. Jolly is by far a superior ruckman and undoubtedly would have been more competitive than Cameron Wood. Jolly also has the advantage of resting forward, and posing a aerial threat with his height.

Geelong may have beaten the Pies, but they are still inferior against a full-strength Collingwood outfit. However, the premiership race is alive and well. No longer a one horse race, but a two team shoot-out…for now.

Blues Beginning to Blossom

Carlton’s hard fought win over Sydney at the SCG on Friday night announced their graduation from finalists making up the numbers to ‘serious contenders’.

So far this season the Blues have only lost to heavy weights Collingwood, but even that result had positives for Blues’ supporters. Carlton’s 28 point loss to the Pies is the lowest margin Collingwood has won by this season. The Blues can be pleased with their efforts considering the Pies have also defeated top four calibre teams in Essendon and the Bulldogs. No longer do the Blues rely solely on captain Chris Judd; although he is playing brilliantly, the Brownlow medallist now has much needed support from the growth and improvement of Carlton’s many high draft picks.

Judd’s midfield partner in crime Marc Murphy has been one of the improvers. Murphy is currently ranked 4^th in disposals, alongside captain Judd who is 5^th. More impressively is the contested possession count which Judd leads accompanied by Murphy who sits 5^th. Bryce Gibbs and Robert Warnock are others who have significantly lifted their output. Gibbs is ranked 2^nd in the competition for marks whilst Warnock has the 5^th most hitouts in the competition, establishing himself as one of the premier ruckman in the game. On top of their improved midfield output, the Blues have also found several goal kickers who are leading the competition. Jeff Garlett and Andrew Walker sit 4^th and 6^th respectively in the Coleman medal, impressive considering Walker was on the trade table only seven months ago. These two combined with Eddie Betts pose headaches for opposition defences.

Not only have individual players stepped up, but the team has collectively improved across several categories. Statistically they are one of the top teams in the competition. Coach Brett Ratten was renowned for being a physical, tough player. He has clearly instilled his methodology and toughness into the Blues, which has resulted in their incredible tackling improvement. The Blues are ranked 2^nd in the competition for tackles, arguably their most improved aspect. Offensively they are ranked third in average points scored; although offensive has never been a problem for the Blues pre or post Fevola.

Before the Blues can truly challenge the Pies they must improve their defence. Fullback Michael Jamison looms as the pillar which the Blues will build their defence around. Throw in Paul Bower and young Matthew Watson and the Blues have a group capable of holding down defence for the next five years. At present, Bower is injured and Watson is in his first year. If they can get back Bower and get games into Watson this year, a serious assault on Collingwood can be mounted in the seasons to come.

The signs are finally there for the Blues. Years of toiling at the bottom of the ladder may finally be rewarded in the years to come. Although they are not yet at Collingwood’s standard, they are well on their way to being serious contenders over the coming years.